Structuring your essays – a guide to using the structure to effectively
organise your ideas and create a stronger argument
by Jenny Carson
Structural element Purpose
Introduction  To tell the reader exactly what the essay is
going to be about
 To introduce your main idea
Paragraph 1  To back up/develop your initial claim with
your first relevant talking point
Paragraph 2  To make a second point that develops the
idea/argument begun in paragraph 1
Paragraph 3  To make a third point that further supports
the argument developed in paras 1 and 2
Conclusion  To summarise the argument in the
paragraphs and prove to the reader that you
have answered the question
Example/further information
 “This essay will focus on…by showing x, y and z”
 This is where you can include some contextual
information
 You could use a relevant quotation
 Don’t simply repeat the initial question – make your
unique point
 In order to write a focused essay, choose one thing
to talk about and use the essay to develop that one
main point
 Don’t spread yourself too thin by trying to talk
about everything
 This is my main point; this quotation/research backs
that up; develop initial point with a ‘why’
 Same structure as above
 Sign posting – using your paragraphs to develop
your argument, ensuring the reader agrees with
your conclusion
 Make sure paragraph 2 develops a point that is
connected to the first paragraph, rather than
starting on an unrelated point
 As above
 “Due to x, y and z the overall conclusion is…”
 Show the reader that you have answered the initial
question by referring back to the argument
  To suggest potential further development of
the point
developed in the paragraphs
 You could use a relevant quote that supports your
conclusion/findings
 Is there an opposing view? How does your
conclusion relate to that?
 Is there something you’ve discovered in your
research that you’d like to explore further? Would
it have a bearing on the conclusion you’ve drawn?
 Is there an element of the research that particularly
interested you? Why, and how could you
potentially develop your argument further?

Key considerations

 The set question tells you the purpose of the task, but what is the actual question you want to answer? Be specific.
 Does each section of the essay answer that question? Is it clear to the reader how each section refers to the initial question?
 Is every piece of information relevant to answering the initial question? Be laser focused on the goal and ruthless in your editing! No
filler allowed!
 Does each paragraph flow logically from the one before? Have you used them to make clear connections between ideas?
 Have I used references to prove that all the claims made in the essay are based in fact rather than opinion?

The structure is a very important element in the success of your essay! It’s not simply about the layout – it can actually take an active part in
the development of your argument. You can include the most brilliant, well researched content, but if the information isn’t organised and
clearly connected, you won’t make your point effectively.

Look at the ‘Structure’ section of the Written Work Assessment Criteria Grid – where does your work truly fall on that scale? Note the
importance placed on ‘clarity of argument’ and ‘sign posting’? An essay with good content and a clear structure will score higher than an essay
that includes similar content, but is presented in a jumbled, disconnected way.